71,000 new hotel rooms in Dubai’s pipeline

The UAE leads the hospitality and leisure-recreation market in the GCC, according to a new report commissioned by The Big 5, with a combined value of the hospitality, and the leisure and recreation sectors in the region, currently valued USD 178.8 billion (AED 656.7 billion)

The UAE leads the hospitality and leisure-recreation market in the GCC, according to a new report commissioned by The Big 5, with a combined value of the hospitality, and the leisure and recreation sectors in the region, currently valued USD 178.8 billion (AED 656.7 billion).

The value of these sectors is expected to increase driven by tourism, a growing population and global events, an official statement said.

Big 5 event director, Josine Heijmans commented: “In the GCC, several state-led initiatives are sponsoring construction projects to diversify the local economy. With tourism contributing to the 8.5% of its GDP by the end of 2016, the UAE is vigorously investing on infrastructure projects to welcome more and more visitors.” More info